American Emotion is an exhibition that takes a look at individuals and their different emotional states in relationship to America. These emotions span from a sense of pride to a sense of sorrow and anger. American Emotion touches on topics such as the border situation, immigration and the country’s current sense of divide around justice and reverence for others. Asking the questions of, how do these topics make us feel as Americans, as well as how is the view of America being impacted across the world, each painting holds symbolism beyond the first glance.

I feel there is a constant emotional push and pull within American society. I have experienced a large amount of injustice just being a black male in America. As a marginalized American, I think I have a higher sense of empathy for others. I easily relate to situations around equal rights, whether it’s Black Lives Matter, Women’s Rights or any other civil rights movement. Injustice for some Americans is an injustice for all Americans. We can only move forward together, recognizing that we all come from one race, the human race. Currently, I am thinking about how America as a country is feeling about its current state and reflecting that through each painting. Even with each painting portraying a different topic they all have an underlying theme of society’s current state.

Each painting encourages the viewer to step out of their current world and connect with other races, nationalities, and religions. In the end it should bring forth some awareness and understanding towards our fellow Americans. Hopefully this exhibition shows the ties that bind instead of the knives that divide.